A field paper submitted to the faculty of the Nutrition Department in partial requirement for the degree Masters of Public Health, University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Alaska Medical Library - From: Fortuine, Robert et al. 1993. The Health of the Inuit of North America: A Bibliography from the Earliest Times through 1990. University of Alaska Anchorage. Citation number 1608.
This report provides an overview of the health status of Alaska Native people. By using data to monitor health status, significant improvements in health over time can be demonstrated. In addition, health areas that are a concern, or for which a disparity exists, can be readily identified. This report covers population demographics, leading causes of mortality and morbidity, as well as adolescent and adult lifestyle risk factors. Additional health status topics include maternal and child health, cancer and cancer screening, immunizations, diabetes, infectious diseases, environmental health, and dental health. At the end of this report, the reader will find region-specific health status overviews and how each region compares to the Alaska Native population statewide on selected measures.
This publication provides health information on the number of Alaska Native infants who are born, die, or who experience difficulties such as birth defects, low birth weight, and prematurity each year. This book also contains information about the parents of these infants. The characteristics of parents can be associated with the health of their infants. Additionally, this book provides information on the health care, risk factors, and protective factorsimpacting pregnant women. This information is crucial for the planning and provision of optimal preconception care, prenatal preventive care, and acute health care. Alaska Tribal Health System leaders and program planners can examine this information to develop ways to maximize the health of the infants.